Fun Fact Friday! #169

Time to celebrate Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary!!!

That’s right, folks! On this day 60 years ago, the gates opened for the first time at Walt Disney’s beloved amusement park, Disneyland!

History was certainly made that day. ABC was there to broadcast the festivities live, and so many people tuned in to see what was happening inside this magical place, that it became the biggest live telecast at the time!

Walt Disney, after being gracefully introduced by Ronald Reagan (famous for his career as an actor at the time), delivered this infamous speech as he welcomed the first guests in:

“To all who come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past…and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts which have created America … with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”

While the park opened on July 17, 1955, it was invitation only. These invitations were given to the workers who had helped build the park, as well as sponsors and reporters. Surprisingly (or, maybe not so much), these coveted tickets were counterfeit, and so the park saw over 28,000 people through its gate.

This caused opening day to be dubbed by Disneyland employees as “Black Sunday”, because due to the overwhelming attendance, plus the normal mishaps that newly-opened businesses all suffer, the first day at Disneyland was chaotic to say the least.

There was a shortage of food, a gas leak (yikes!), crazy traffic jams around Anaheim, and who knows what else. But, they pulled through, and in less than 2 months from opening day, Disneyland welcomed over 1-million guests to the happiest place on earth!

Way to go, Disneyland! Let me celebrate by sharing some photos I took from my first trip there back in 2012. Enjoy!

Amazing train ride! I suggest jumping on it first thing and riding it to the back of the park. You’ll be able to waltz right on to “It’s A Small World” while everyone else floods Main Street! See, I’m always looking out for you. 😉

Just to prove that I made it. After a 6.5 hour flight (eeek) and driving the crazy highways of California, I finally made it!

This horse and I had a moment. He totally posed for the camera! Show off.

The obligatory castle shot, with the statue at the forefront.

Loved the New Orleans influence in Disneyland. Did someone say beignets?!?! Mmmmm

Gotta say, if I were a bird, this is where I would make my landing. 🙂

So serene, sitting by the water. #ImInHeaven

Toontown! How I miss the Toontown at WDW. This land included an awesome Roger Rabbit ride!

Diva’s Gallery!

Life may imitate art, but this scene is taken directly from Walt Disney’s true actions.

The scared Captain!

Little Wart is preparing for his future as King.

Pooh Bear and Piglet

Cheeky Mary Poppins.

Mushu is the friend you never knew you needed.

Share!

Daddy’s Girl

Best friends forever!

Chimney sweeping is fun!

Poor Flounder. He can hardly keep up with the adventurous Ariel!

Aladdin

Ray is always there to help you find your way.

Mickey knows how to relax. Looks like paradise!

Iago, you dancing fool!

Maleficent is super creepy.

Outburst – and then a small dose of denial.

Right in the feels :(

Exasperated because all I want to do is blog all day, and I can’t!

Leave me alone, I’m dreaming of Disney!

Walt won’t give up. Travers won’t give in.

Diane Disney

THANK YOU!

Ariel – “FOLLOW YOUR HEART”

I wouldn’t mind going to work with these two.

The best friends!

The studio!

So dramatic.

What and Angry Bird!

Me on Friday night.

So focused!

Wow!

Billy and his Monsters.

How adorable can you get!

Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauty

Play? Can we? Can we!

And I’ll huff, and I’ll puff…

Maggie (center) is one tough cow!

The original Disney Diva!

Mickey at Fantasmic

Poor Simba. I know what a diet change is like. Hakuna Matata!

Pleeeease!

WDW trains bring great memories!

Ralph is a softie!

Nana wants to go, too!

Splash Mountain.

Nala – “BE STRONG”

Where do the humans sit?

He always makes me laugh!

“Mickey’s Toothache.” 1938

Do you want to know a secret?

How cute is playful, happy Bolt?!

Yay teamwork!

Helpful Little Brother.

I want adventure!

Mickey keeps getting into trouble.

The coolest Aunt!

It’s CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow.

“Hello!”

Dippy Dawg debut in 1932.

Yuck!

Mary Poppins needs to prepare for her newest nanny job.

Snow White’s real rosy cheeks.

Make a wish, Tiana!

Happy Birthday!

Hooray!

Merida – “STAND UP AND SPEAK UP”

Walt and Roy Disney.

Disney and Travers

Patriotic Mickey!

Yes, my thoughts exactly.

“Part Of Your World”

Disney and his Mouse.

What’s over there?

Such a diva!

Tramp is bored.

What a good doggie dad.

Tiana – HARD WORK PAYS OFF

Heh…

Hanging with his pup!

Ashamed!

My daughter, odd?

Skipper John Lasseter!

“They just can’t get my nose right!” Flynn, worry more about the fact that you’re on a WANTED poster!

Shang from Mulan

Mickey <3

<3

Scary Scud!

Daddy’s girl!

Mary and Bert.

Huh?

Say it ain’t so!

I love how much Rapunzel adores Pascal!

Boo!

The animals appreciate a good song from Snow White.

The mysterious Donna Duck.

Rapunzel – “LIVE YOUR LIFE”

Sing it!

A Friend Like Me!

Be strong!

Moving right along!

The best duo!

Be careful when talking to Kaa!

Puppet Master.

Poor Mickey, feel better!

Even as the times (and styles) change, Mickey is never without his Pluto!

Everything the light touches….

Oh, goodie.

Comfy cozy and oh-so cuddly!

Alice is trying to stay focused.

Girls Talk to Much.

Mice and cheese, a perfect pairing.

So relaxing.

Happy as always.

If Kuzco was a girl and that building model was my D23 card, this would be an accurate picture of me!

Goooooodbyyeeeee (for now)

Part of your World!

This horse has got a mission!

Mirror, mirror…

Terrifying and spooky!

Mulan is shocked by the rudeness!

Sloppy kisses from Max <3

Gotta love Goofy!

Sorry Sophie McShera – I think you’re adorable, but this was not my favorite of you at all. :(

Aurora is the quintessential princess!

Poor Mulan!

Keep watching, Pascal. No need to be embarrassed.

Donald and Daisy are so in love!

He has some good advice!

You rock!

Meh…

It’s still sad…

Some days, I can totally relate.

Jiminy is tired of waiting.

THE LION GUARD – The epic storytelling of Disney’s “The Lion King” continues with “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar,” a primetime television movie event starring Rob Lowe, Gabrielle Union and James Earl Jones, reprising his iconic role as Mufasa. Premiering this November on Disney Channel, the movie follows Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, as he assumes the role of leader of the Lion Guard, a team of animals tasked with preserving the Pride Lands. “The Lion Guard” television series will premiere in early 2016 on Disney Channels and Disney Junior channels around the globe. (Disney Junior) FULI, KION, ONO , BESHTE, BUNGA

They work so well together. It was meant to be!

Prince Charming from Cinderella

Sidekick!

What’s this?

Wart’s reprise in ‘The Fox and the Hound.” Interesting!

Poor Woody!

Lambert, the Sheepish Lion!

You never really know if you should trust the Cheshire Cat.

Got it!

Here’s an added bonus: This clip was Walt Disney’s all time favorite piece of animation. This was drawn by Marc Davis, one of Disney’s Nine Old Men.

Moana… coming soon!

Kevin’s a…girl?

Get it right! *humph.*

Reading to his friend.

Going my way?

Painting the wooden boy.

Soups on!

Flynn Rider from Tangled

Flower & Garden Festival

Alpha… scary.

What?!

Such a character!

That’s amore!

Furry baby.

A [dead] boy and his dog!

The newest Muppet, Walter, is also a world-class whistler!

Looks good!

Go Tarzan! Whip around the jungle like you mean it!

Way to ruin my point!

Be prepared!

Whoa.

Huh?

Emno kid is sad.

The originals!

I’m sorry, Goofy :(

Love!

Walt Disney looking on.

Aaw how adorable :)

Belle – BE YOURSELF

Fired up!

Hot Dogs! The debut statement.

This Frozen group is looking good!

Poor Russell!

I’d like to swim in that!

Ta-dah!

It’s true!

My favorite!

Oh Wendy, have fun in Neverland!

Ms. Tilly in the sunrise!

That’s the guy we love!

Camping Out!

Mary Poppins must throw some awesome parties.

Got that, Pacha?!

Cinderella – KINDNESS IS ALWAYS REWARDED

This is the picture of happiness.

Help me devise a plan, boys!

Rapunzel must get some serous bird nests!

You know what he’s saying without even saying it!

The beautiful dance.

Alice looks like she has something to say!

Mmm… hunny!

The dogs are so very attentive. Wonder what’s on TV?

Always together forever.

“I Wanna Be Like You”

Talespine – Woo ooo!

Port Orleans is hopping!

Sisters!

Walking through the forest.

Grumpy…

John Smith from Pocahontas

Mickey is a wonderful dancer!

Bruce is pretty intimidating!

Happy Summer!

The Lion King!

Buster helps the escape!

I wish Dug’s speak collar was real :(

Aw shucks, guys!

Surrender!

The Fox and the Hound

Jock and Trusty are old pals.

The sun, why is it up so early?!

Under Pressure!

It is the happiest cruise!

I’m so popular!

Mmm looks good!

Meeko’s a goofball!

This cute take on the classy “Hollywood and Vine” restaurant.

Evil smirk.

It’s okay, it’s safe.

Someone does not approve.

Maximum looks angry.

Cooking with Donald must be interesting.

Fantasia!

I don’t get it.

Goofy alien!

So sweet :)

Evil Jafar sketch!

It just makes sense!

Proof that Timon is a great friend.

Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather

Whaddya mean, creepy?!

I’ve been in Max’s “seat”, when parents were oh-so-embarrassing. But I’m slowly making my way to Goofy’s side, unable to contain my Disney dorkness!!

Oh, the inconsistency!

You’re gunna hear me rooooar!

Trouble comes in… threes?

Bambi’s got the need for speed!

What a wonderful phrase.

Hello boys!

Charlotte is such a diva, and I love her for it!

A little guidance is always appreciated!

Who gives the best advice?

Elsa – “DON’T HIDE WHO YOU ARE”

We’re not in Kansas anymore…

You can teach this dog new trick!

The Divalicious Miss Piggy!

Good advice!

Everybody Mambo!

Prince Adam (The Beast) from Beauty and the Beast

Me when I logged into my blog today after nearly a week without it. :)